The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly: Dolphins Vs. Chargers

First and foremost, the Dolphins got off on the right foot with a close win over the Chargers.

It has been 24 days since we last saw the Miami Dolphins starters take the field. While their play was sloppy at times, the end result was a 19-17 win, placing Miami at the top of the AFC East.

With hurricanes, injuries, and a Week 1 bye, things have been a bit strange for Adam Gase in his second season as a head coach.

The season opener was no different.

(More on Timmons later)

On offense, veteran QB Jay Cutler played it conservative completing 24-of-33 for 230 yards and a touchdown. Most importantly, Smokin’ Jay had zero turnovers in his Dolphins debut.

While Cutler’s debut was a relief for fans who have heard war stories of his inconsistencies, the “Jay Train” was taken down the field early and often. Ajayi finished with 28 attempts for 128 yards averaging 4.4 yards per attempt.

Defensively, outside of the uncertainty surrounding Lawrence Timmons, the defense was sound. According to PPF, second-year linebacker Mike Hull, who played all 58 of Miami’s defensive snaps, struggled against the pass attack. He surrendered the most targets, receptions and yards allowed of all linebackers in coverage for Week 2. Rookie linebacker Chase Allen continued his strong performances from preseason, playing 13 snaps and grading out at 81.3. That mark which was the third highest on the defense.

Fans, it wasn’t pretty but it is a win. The resilience, the grit, the uncertainty is something that has surrounded Miami for the last week. But, like the Miami Dolphins, we overcame!

The Good

Cody Parkey-

“Parkey for President”?

While Cody Parkey may not win the presidential election in 2020, if there was a Week 2 game ball to be given out, hands down the ball goes to Parkey. Just two weeks removed from being cut by the Cleveland Browns, the former Auburn kicker proved why he beat out former Dolphin Andrew Franks.

His 54-yard game winning field goal is the longest game-winning field goal in Dolphins’ history.

DeVante Parker-

As I suspected he would, Parker caught four passes for a team-high 85 yards. His connection with Jay Cutler is clear, and he is making aggressive plays on the ball, something he lacked in previous seasons.

Parker, who has very similar attributes to Cutler’s former number one receiver Alshon Jeffery, will likely find himself in the same position. I still believe he will lead all wide receivers in yards this season.

The Bad-

Lawrence Timmons-

I am not sure of the circumstances, so I will keep my opinion to myself until I get exact information. But, here is what we do know.

Timmons left the team hotel before or during curfew, going AWOL.

Sources close to the situation reported that the Dolphins scrambled to locate Timmons, calling close friends and family.

According to TMZ, the organization put out a missing persons report, and located the veteran at LAX.

Timmons is now back with the team and is scheduled to meet with doctors, according to ESPN.